Contemplation in a Connected World

A few years ago, I spent a week and a half on vacation for the winter holidays. I left my computer at home, having made the decision to disconnect and enjoy my time away. I felt nagging urge to check my email. There were withdrawal symptoms. After a few days, I found myself much more relaxed.

The Rev. Hugh Page, Jr. writes a blog for first-year students at Notre Dame. He recently taught a class about contemplation and the first year experience, in which he introduced the idea of building time into ones day for contemplative activities.

I also assigned some rather interesting praxis oriented assignments such as:

A Technology “fast” – turning off cell phones, computers, and other devices and taking a ninety minute meditative walk

Contemplative sketching and photography exercises

Walking the Prayer Labyrinth at St. Mary’s College

Using poetry and the writing of aphorisms as a means of recording general impressions about personal growth and life

Wandering the “stacks” of the Hesburgh Library

Using the techniques of artistic composition to “frame” intellectual interests and objectives

Identifying contemplative role models

Since my vacation experiment, I’ve wondered how I could introduce this into my daily life. I want to use it as a way to recharge. I want to reduce the guilt I feel when I leave my cell phone at home and am entirely disconnected. Most of all, I want to remind myself how important my life is outside of work and the Internet.